Key Events (10)
The US conducted a military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now being held in New York to face criminal charges for drugs and weapons trafficking. The operation marked a dramatic shift in US foreign policy under Trump's administration.
Trump threatened military action against Colombia and made comments suggesting the US could take action against Cuba and pursue acquisition of Greenland. Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded by saying he would 'take up arms again' if the US invaded.
Trump stated he is serious about acquiring Greenland, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen clarifying that Denmark and Greenland have rejected the US president's statements. European leaders expressed concern that such an attempt could undermine the NATO alliance.
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodríguez adopted a conciliatory tone with the US after Trump warned she could pay a 'very big price' if she failed to meet American demands. The US maintained a 15,000-strong military presence in the Caribbean as leverage.
The UN Security Council met to address the US action in Venezuela, with the US ambassador defending the capture as a 'law enforcement' action against an 'illegitimate' leader rather than an act of war. The UK indicated it would abstain on any UN vote condemning the arrest.
Major General Paul Eaton warned that Trump's push to politicize the US military is 'reminiscent of Stalin' and could have dire long-term consequences. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a formal censure to Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and initiated proceedings to strip him of his retired military rank and reduce his pension.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting formally dissolved after the board of directors voted to end the organization following nearly 60 years of operation in response to federal funding cuts under the Trump administration.
The US slashed routine vaccine recommendations for children in a major policy change, with jabs to prevent influenza, rotavirus, RSV and other vaccines no longer fully recommended. Health experts warned the change creates doubt about vaccine safety.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he would not run for a third term, with the announcement coming after ongoing fraud of social services cases became a focus of Republican criticism and Trump's ire.
US energy stocks rose as Trump vowed to unlock Venezuela's oil reserves following Maduro's capture, though experts cautioned that reviving Venezuela's oil industry would require years of investment and face significant political and economic challenges.